This might sound dumb but How do you tighten to torque specs??

 

Use a torque wrench.

http://www.craftsman.com/hand-tools-...ches/s-1305567

 

If you're on a tight budget, Autozone has one in thier "Loan-A-Tool" collection. ( the 20-200 ft lb) I think it's about $75, but you get it back when you return it.

 

what r u torquing? wheels, head bolts or what?..huge difference...some head bolts are torque to yield and then there is torque angle as well. if ur torquing wheel bolts then there is a sequence of events ur supposed to folow and the size of the stud determines the torque spec

 

what is this i don't even...
http://tinyurl.com/3tehe8a

 

Wow, I just learned something new about a torque wrench, thanks PD. It was about extension size and lengths. I'm not being sarcastic, seriously thanks. Google really works.

 

This reminds me of that long time discussion on wrench heads who through experience can torque a bolt up pretty accurately.

Last night I got a slow leak in a tire. For some reason, the lug wrench was missing from the trunk. so I had to call AAA. He did the drill and used the typical 4 lug wrench. I came home to re-torque the bolts and 3 clicked at 72#'s while 2 others at 73#'s. I was impressed since the guy seemed to take the task so casually.

 

harbor frieght has a torque wrench for around 30. Accurate too. We have a torque wrench tester at work that we test all our wrenches on every morning. Ill test mine every month or so. I keep it wrapped in a towel between the drivers door and drivers seat. Just in case ;-)